Job Duties
About the Position:
This is a grant funded position with funding decreasing to 50% in 2029.
The Virginia State Police (VSP) is seeking to hire a Victim Service Specialist in our Special Investigations and Programs (SIPD) Division at State Police Headquarters in North Chesterfield, Virginia. The job duties for this position include but are not limited to:
• Providing information, assistance, and support to victims through the prosecution of a criminal case and facilitating their participation in the criminal justice process.
• Assisting with victims’ understanding and knowledge of the criminal justice system or probation and parole processes and guidelines.
• Helping victims assert and enforce their crime victim rights and facilitating the preparation of restitution claims.
• Working in collaboration with prosecutors, other government agencies, and community partners to meet the needs of the victims and their families.
About the Agency:
We’re more than a law enforcement agency — we’re a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and public servants shaping Virginia’s future. At VSP, your skills make an impact that reaches every community across the Commonwealth. If you’re ready for meaningful work, real growth, and a supportive culture that feels like family, your next career starts here.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge:
• Of victim advocacy.
• Of the criminal justice system.
• Of the roles of the participants and victim rights under Virginia law.
•Of the effect of trauma, crisis intervention and appropriate response and counseling techniques.
• Of the dynamics of domestic and/or sexual violence.
• Of the unique nature of victimization associated with the crime of human trafficking.
• Of criminal justice record systems.
• Of appropriate community resources available for crime victims.
Skills:
• In assessing victim’s immediate needs.
• In assisting victims in crisis, either in person or over the phone, using crisis intervention techniques while maintaining composure and professionalism.
• In effectively summarizing information for victims in person and in written form.
• In establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with crime victims, social service organizations, law enforcement, Commonwealth's Attorney staff, probation and parole staff, locality staff, and other community groups.
• In operating a computer, office software and other office equipment.
• In maintaining a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
Ability:
• To intervene with individuals in stressful situations and assess individual needs.
• To empathize and establish rapport with victims, communicate court procedures, and provide emotional support.
• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with Commonwealth's Attorneys and/or probation and parole officers.
• To communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• To read and understand various reports, policies and procedures, warrants, criminal histories and other work-related documents.
• To maintain accurate and complete records.
• To organize and conduct training sessions and workshops.
• Relevant experience with direct delivery of human service, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
•Required to possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
Additional Considerations
• Experience working with human trafficking victims and/or law enforcement preferred.
•Knowledge of the Virginia criminal justice system preferred.
• May be required to pass a post-offer psychological assessment.
• May require oral and written fluency in another language.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Elements of the selection process include the screening of application(s); the interviewing of qualified candidate(s), to include pre-employment testing, a presentation and/or a work sample, if applicable; salary negotiation(s) if applicable; a background investigation; and a medical evaluation if applicable. The anticipated duration of the pre-employment process is determined by the successful completion of the above items.
Applications, cover letters and/or resumes shall only be accepted on-line through the PageUp recruitment management system at and must be received by 11:55 P. M. on April 2, 2026. Please limit resumes to four pages and cover letters to one page. Any additional attachments received in excess of this will not be considered.
PageUp provides confirmation of receipt of your application, resume and/or cover letter submitted successfully. Please refer to your PageUp account to check the status of your application for this position. For questions, please contact the Talent Acquisition & Employee Relations Section of the Human Resources Division at ov.
It is the policy of the Department of State Police (the Department) that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
This policy shall be adhered to in all aspects of Departmental employment practices. It does not permit the lowering of bona fide job requirements, performance criteria, or qualifications to give preference to any state employee or applicant for state employment based on the above prohibitions.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
(V)alor (S)ervice (P)ride
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.